Abstract A laser-radio frequency system for generating a high temperature beam and for directing and modulating the combined beam at a workpiece or target. The system includes a hollow circular electrode mounted within a circular nozzle and spaced apart from the nozzle to define an annular gap. A radio frequency generator having a hollow metal coil as its tank coil is connected to the nozzle and a pressurized inert gas is fed through the tank coil into the nozzle. When the generator is activated, a coherent R.F. electron stream is emitted from the electrode and the inert gas flows along the annular gap to sheath and focus the stream into an energy beam directed toward the workpiece. A laser generator provides a laser beam through the hollow portion of the electrode which is reflected and focused onto the workpiece; therefore an algebraic summation of both electromagnetic energies is obtained at the workpiece in the non-oxidizing atmosphere. The radio frequency tank coil may be connected to a source of powder for spraying a coating on the workpiece.
In a method for generating a high temperature coherent electromagnetic beam by generating a single frequency sine wave signal in a hollow electrically conductive tubular tank coil of a radio-frequency generator; injecting an inert gas into a maximum current-low voltage point of said tank coil; conveying said inert gas through said coil to an exit port located at a maximum voltage low-current point of said coil; conveying said inert gas from said exit port through a hollow electrically conductive outlet tube to a nozzle having an outlet orifice; transmitting said single frequency sine wave signal from said maximum voltage low current point of said coil around a hollow electrode means centrally located in said nozzle orifice; the improvement characterized by: conveying a laser beam through said outlet nozzle and through the hollow portion of said electrode means, together with a low pressure gas stream; and reflecting said laser beam from the hollow portion of said electrode means onto said workpiece and focusing the laser beam thereon, while allowing said low pressure gas stream to continue directly toward said workpiece; whereby said inert gas forms an annular sheath which surrounds and focuses the high temperature stream emitted from said electrode means and nozzle orifice into a beam.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
In a method for generating a high temperature coherent electromagnetic beam by generating a single frequency sine wave signal in a hollow electrically conductive tubular tank coil of a radio-frequency generator; injecting an inert gas into a maximum current-low voltage point of said tank coil; conveying said inert gas through said coil to an exit port located at a maximum voltage low-current point of said coil; conveying said inert gas from said exit port through a hollow electrically conductive outlet tube to a nozzle having an outlet orifice; transmitting said single frequency sine wave signal from said maximum voltage low current point of said coil around a hollow electrode means centrally located in said nozzle orifice; the improvement characterized by: conveying a laser beam through said outlet nozzle and through the hollow portion of said electrode means, together with a low pressure gas stream; and reflecting said laser beam from the hollow portion of said electrode means onto said workpiece and focusing the laser beam thereon, while allowing said low pressure gas stream to continue directly toward said workpiece; whereby said inert gas forms an annular sheath which surrounds and focuses the high temperature stream emitted from said electrode means and nozzle orifice into a beam.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
The invention of claim 1 and further including injecting a finely divided heat fusible material into a maximum current zero voltage point of tank coil; and conveying said material through said tank coil and out through said exit port to said nozzle orifice; whereby said material enters the coherent electromagnetic beam emitted from said nozzle, said material being thus sprayable onto workpieces to be deposited and fused thereon as a coating.